The Malaysian Grand Prix was marked by an unusual episode: Johann Zarco's attempt to follow Pedro Acosta into the pit lane. The Frenchman quickly understood that the young Spaniard had a very particular technique for saving time…
Johann Zarco couldn't help but smile when recalling his failed attempt to follow Pedro Acosta during qualifying at Sepang. The French driver hoped to be pulled by the young 20-year-old beginner on his GASGAS, but he quickly realized that the situation was more complex than expected.
« After my first tire, I didn't know how to go much faster and I wanted to follow someone », explained Zarco. Unfortunately, he failed to catch up Acostawho seemed to disappear at full speed into the pit lane. “I think he has deactivated the speed limiter! He did it twice. He knows that the fine is 1,500 euros. So he knows that when he wants to catch someone, it will be 1,500 euros! This is MotoGP style – when you have more money! », joked Zarco.
Despite this mishap, Johann Zarco managed to finish first in the Q1 session, whileAcosta narrowly missed out on a Q2 spot, placing third.
Johann Zarco : « It’s the MotoGP style – when you have more money! »
The “pay for tow” tactic is possible in MotoGP, as the rules state that a rider will only be penalized for exceeding the limit. speed limit of 60 km/h in the pit lane only once, provided he does not exceed an “excessively high speed”. However, repeated violations can result in increasingly hefty fines.
Simon Crafarfuture president of the commissioners FIM MotoGP, has suggested that the rules regarding speeding in the pit lane could change next year, specifying however: “ This doesn't concern me! »
For now, drivers and their teams are willing to take the risk, as a 1,500 euro fine is a price they are willing to pay to improve their qualifying performance.
Waiting for, Pedro Acosta prepares for the final Barcelona next weekend, with a three points ahead of Brad Binder in the fight for fifth place in the world championship.
